Mathematics is the Queen of all Sciences? Can we say that Maths can be used to explain all sciences including our biological nature?
Growing up with Maths
A sound foundation in Mathematics at early stages is a great asset for a child in later years of learning. A good part of this foundation is laid naturally as they grow from infancy to toddler, building their cognitive abilities such as vision, touch and motor skills such as grasping, sitting up etc. Needless to say, how wonderfully we grow!
Intellectual growth during the early stages is very rapid and natural, but maintaining a remarkable improvement needs a favourable and nurturing environment.
Some students develop an aversion to Maths mainly due to stringent methods they are forced to follow while learning. Though mathematical abilities vary, all humans are intellectually unique and special.
Mathematical applications
Primary level Maths starting from number systems and to arithmetic operations have a profound impact on the way a child.We rarely see children complain as they find a quick and immediate way to apply this Math in their daily lives. They count objects around them playfully. We see that the child has found an application for the math skill.
In the later years, as they enter formal learning, the subject becomes unfriendly for some. For example, the topic of 'counting' at Secondary School level demands a thorough analysis of number arrangments leading to the topic of ' Permutations and Combinations'. The child needs some extra reason to use these skills during these years to remain engaged. Some students are amused by the possibilities of ' Math as a subject' as in the case of mathematically inclined students, while some others may not be interested to engage seriously. Here students must be given the freedom to choose the Level of Maths that they are keen to pursue.
Influencers
Here, we need to be reminded that under an ideal environment, the kids would have been active learners. Teachers in School, parents and peers have a great level of influence in creating engagement and further development.
What is an ideal environment for learning? The ideal environment is different for different learners. Some common factors, in my opinion, are freedom to innovate, have fun in the process, having good teachers or mentors and a sense of usefulness or achievement. This could be short term usefulness of appeasing one’s quest for knowledge or long term benefits. Children are no exception. If only they could find Mathematics at work in Scientific applications, in natural events or natural surroundings and find their explanations!
Great teachers always find methods to amuse their students in this manner. They may cite examples of the simple pendulum to that of modern automobiles to create ‘awe’ in the subject. With a teacher or guru beside us, we will see various branches of Science meeting Mathematics to fulfil its end.
Teachers have a profound influence on the child’s mind. When teachers effectively convey math concepts, it widens our knowledge of the world around us.
To: All parents, teachers and Young Mathematicians
Jojo Mathew
CEO, Edugraff